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Good morning!
The Okaloosa County Sheriff thanked first responders from across Florida for their help during Hurricane Isaias. Destin volleyball edged Maclay in five sets for the first district championship in program history, and Fort Walton Beach is seeking volunteers to clear storm debris at Ferry Park Saturday. Also, OCSO’s warning for boaters to watch for storm debris, six Destin open houses, this weekend’s event calendar, and today’s Jigsaw is “The Lineworkers.”
GIVING BACK
FWB seeks volunteers to clear Hurricane Isaias debris at Ferry Park Saturday
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The City of Fort Walton Beach is asking volunteers to help clear storm debris from Ferry Park from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, the first of the city’s park cleanup days after Hurricane Isaias.
“Hurricane Isaias left plenty of storm debris across all of our city parks and we’re asking our community to help us clean it up,” the city wrote.
Volunteers will clear small branches and other tree debris from the park grounds, according to the city. The cleanup will begin with a brief meeting at 8 a.m. before volunteers split into four groups to work in different areas of the park, the city said.
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GAMES
WordroW: October 16, 2026
WordroW is brought to you by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic – keeping your mind sharp and your spine aligned, one game at a time.
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office urges boaters to slow down, watch for storm debris after Hurricane Isaias
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is urging boaters to slow down and keep a sharp lookout for debris as they return to local waterways after Hurricane Isaias.
The Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit patrolled local waterways again this week, looking for hazardous debris and other dangers below the surface or floating in the area’s bay, bayous, Sound and Gulf, according to the agency.
SPORTS
Destin volleyball edges Maclay in five sets for first district championship in program history
The Destin High School volleyball team made history Thursday, edging Maclay 25-18, 25-17, 21-25, 21-25, 15-13 to win the first district championship in program history and only the second in school history.
After the Lady Sharks took the first two sets, Maclay answered by winning the next two and built a 12-8 lead in the fifth. Isabella Volpe delivered two straight kills to spark a 5-0 run as Destin rallied to close it out and punch its ticket to the playoffs.
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GAMES
Jigsaw – “The Lineworkers”
Ready for this week’s Jigsaw puzzle?
Each week, we use local pictures from around Okaloosa County as part of our puzzles. They’ll include current dated photos to historical ones.
OPEN HOUSES
6 Destin properties to tour this weekend, starting at $375K
The Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®: advocating for property rights and the REALTORS® who serve our community. Click here to learn more
If you’re house hunting in Destin, this weekend offers a chance to tour six properties ranging from newly built townhomes to waterfront homes with room for a boat. Open houses are scheduled for Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, with prices ranging from $375,885 to just under $1.3 million.
This week’s lineup includes two townhomes priced below $500,000, a nearly half-acre property with a large fenced backyard, and a Crystal Beach home within walking distance of the beach. Buyers can also explore a spacious home in the gated Destiny East community or a harborfront condo with its own private boat slip and lift.
Whether you’re looking for a primary residence, a second home or something closer to the water, these open houses offer an opportunity to compare different neighborhoods, floor plans and price points across Destin.
THE EVENTS
A few things to do around town
Friday, Oct. 16 – Freedom 250 Mobile Museum at HSU Foundation HQ – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Friday, Oct. 16 – Shalimar Library Quilts, Wine, and Friends – Shalimar – Free – View
Friday, Oct. 16 – Experience the Celebrate Autumn Art Exhibition at ADSO! – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Friday, Oct. 16 – A Gulfarium Murder Mystery Dinner – Fort Walton Beach – $70.00 – View
Friday, Oct. 16 – Concerts at The Landing brought to you by Eglin Federal Credit Union – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Pilates with Dolphins – Fort Walton Beach – $40.00 – View
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Dollar Days at DeFrance – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Kid’s Self-Protection Clinic – FORT WALTON BEACH – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Emerald Coast Regional Mustang Club – Wheels & Wings America 250 Car Show – Ft. Walton Beach – $35.00 – View
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Free Women’s Self-Protection Seminar – FORT WALTON BEACH – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Trunk or Treat at the Mary Esther Public Library, Saturday, Oct 17th, 2pm-4pm – Mary Esther – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Sip & Science: Wizarding World – Fort Walton Beach – $35.00 – View
PUBLIC SAFETY
Okaloosa Sheriff thanks first responders from across Florida for Hurricane Isaias help
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden thanked first responders from across Florida who came to help the county after Hurricane Isaias, in a video posted to social media Thursday.
“I want to take a moment to thank our first responders around the state that came and showed up in full force to help us in our hours and days of need,” Aden said.
Aden said the agencies that sent equipment and personnel helped the Sheriff’s Office continue to provide public safety during the storm and its aftermath, while employees also dealt with damage to their own property.
“We will certainly be there like we have in the past to deploy if you should need us in the future,” he said.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday! Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Jared
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